2006 Chono Syrah, Elqui Valley, Chile

You read it here first; the Elqui Valley is the place in Chile to grow Syrah. With its semi-arid terrrain, tempered by the cooling Pacific, and  wonderfully clear atmosphere (several observatories are located here), this has proved an ideal spot for Alvaro Espinoza to demonstrate his skills with this famously temperamental variety. Very low yields generate highly concentrated fruit, while maceration is gentle to avoid over-extraction,  A deep Syrah colour, then a friendly nose of spice, black fruit and hints of macerated prune; the palate is beautifully soft with red and black fruit flavours and finely wrought tannins.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)

Chono Syrah, Elqui Valley is an opulently spicy, blackberry-fruited Chilean counterpart to the northern Rhone’s Crozes Hermitage from the charismatic Alvaro Espinoza.
(Anthony Rose – The Independent -19-Dec-09)